Reece James 'well aware' of status as underpaid Chelsea star amid Real Madrid, Man City links

Reece James is reportedly well aware of his status as one of Chelsea’s ‘underpaid’ stars amid transfer interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City.

The 22-year-old full-back reportedly earns just £70,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge despite becoming one of the club’s most important players in recent seasons. His current deal in west London runs until 2025, though given recent the Blues' recent history of seeing players leave on frees at the end of their deals, Chelsea fans are desperate for James to be offered fresh terms to secure his long-term future.

According to the Athletic, James is aware that he is underpaid when assessing the role he plays in the team, with the club’s new owners told to prioritise a new deal to keep suitors away. Both Real Madrid and Manchester City are said to be keen on the full-back, with the recently-crowned Champions League winners looking to secure a replacement for Dani Carvajal and Pep Guardiola eyeing a long-term successor to Kyle Walker.

Chelsea’s position isn’t a weak one though. With three years left on his deal and the fact that the Blues are his boyhood club, James does not seem to be in any rush to leave west London. The club are said to be calm on his contract negotiations due to the length of time still remaining, with more pressing matters on their hands at the moment.

Thomas Tuhcel is currently looking for defensive reinforcements following the departures of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, while Cesar Azpilicueta’s future is still uncertain with Barcelona keen to take the Spaniard to La Liga.

This leaves Chelsea severely under-strength at the back, with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Inter’s Denzel Dumfries both being eyed up as potential signings to boost